marla brown

Republicans React To Governor Shapiro’s Budget Proposal

Bernstine Slams Shapiro’s Out-of-Control Spending, Warns Families Will Pay the Price HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.26 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, a 5.4% increase over last year: “The governor’s budget is out of touch and out of control. He wants to spend billions more than we take in, and he’s relying on new taxes and one-time revenue to cover the difference. On top of that, he plans to raid the Rainy Day Fund, the savings set aside to protect Pennsylvania during tough times, to pay for ongoing…


Bernstine, Brown Announce Grant for Lawrence County Historical Society

LAWRENCE COUNTY – Reps. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today announced the Lawrence County Historical Society has been awarded a $9,000 grant to support the preservation, care and maintenance of the county’s historically significant records and artifacts. “The Lawrence County Historical Society is a vital guardian of our community’s past, and this grant helps ensure its irreplaceable records and artifacts remain protected,” said Bernstine. “I’m proud to support funding that preserves our shared history and keeps it accessible for future generations.” “Our historical societies play an essential role in educating the public and strengthening our sense of place,” said…


Local State Representatives React To PA State $50.6B Budget Passes

Local state representatives in the Ellwood City area expressed differing opinions on the recently passed 2025-26 Pennsylvania state budget, with reactions generally falling along party lines. The budget, which faced a 135-day delay, was approved by the legislature on Wednesday. Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to sign the General Appropriations Act into law today, November 12, 2025.  Bernstine: Can’t Support a Budget That Risks Future Tax Increases HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) issued the following statement explaining his “no” vote on the $50.1 billion budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year: “While this plan includes several positive elements, I could not…


October 2025 Designated Italian American History and Culture Month in PA

NEW CASTLE – The House of Representatives today overwhelmingly approved House Resolution 353, sponsored by Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence). The measure designates October 2025 as Italian and Italian American History and Culture Month in Pennsylvania. Brown, who is an Italian American and longtime resident of New Castle, said the resolution is deeply personal and celebrates the history, culture and contributions of Italian Americans across the Commonwealth. “New Castle is home to one of the most vibrant Italian American communities in the country,” said Brown. “More than one in four residents here trace their roots to Italy, and their cultural legacy…


Brooks, Brown to Host Senior Expo on Friday, Sept. 12

NEW CASTLE – Sen. Michele Brooks (R-Lawrence/Crawford/Mercer) and Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) are pleased to invite senior citizens, their families and caregivers to a Senior Expo on Friday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Cascade Park Dance Hall, located at 1928 E. Washington St., New Castle. The expo will feature a wide variety of exhibitors from local, state and federal agencies, health care providers, and senior-focused organizations. Attendees can gather information and ask questions about programs related to health care, financial planning, veterans’ services, fraud protection and more. “I always enjoy these opportunities to engage with…


Brown Vehemently Opposes Legalizing Recreational Marijuana in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) this week voted “no” on legalizing recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania. Brown issued the following statement after the House approved House Bill 1200: “The 173-page bill was just introduced Sunday, May 4, and was fast tracked through the House Health Committee, of which I am a member, Monday. It was quickly brought up for a final vote in the House on Wednesday. It’s a misguided mess that does nothing to help Pennsylvanians who could benefit from the work we should be doing on boosting homegrown energy and matching our educational systems to the jobs of the…


$1.2 Million in Funding for Lawrence County Social Services to Combat Housing Crisis, Says Brown

LAWRENCE COUNTY – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today announced Lawrence County Social Services Inc., a local nonprofit organization, has been awarded $1.2 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This grant will support a regional project aimed at alleviating the housing crisis in western Pennsylvania, providing vital assistance to more than 600 households through emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing and street outreach services. “This funding represents a critical step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs of families and individuals in Lawrence County and surrounding areas,” said Brown. “By investing in the tools…


Brown Takes Oath of Office for Second Term in PA House

HARRISBURG – Surrounded by family, friends and supporters, Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) was sworn in on Tuesday at the state Capitol to begin her second term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. First elected in 2020, Brown made history as the first Republican to represent the 9th Legislative District since 1952. She is also the first female elected to hold the position in the district. “It is an incredible honor to continue representing the residents of Lawrence County and to serve as their voice in Harrisburg,” said Brown. “Over the past two years, we have made great strides in improving…


Ellwood City Area School District Among Many To Receive Safety, Mental Health Grants

HARRISBURG – Ellwood City Area School District will receive $130,425.00 in grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) School safety and Security Committee (SSSC). Several area schools across the 8th and 9th Legislative Districts have been awarded more than $1.5 million in grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) School safety and Security Committee (SSSC) announced this week by state representatives. “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is one of the most important investments we can make for the future of our communities,” said Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) . “These grants will…


Stonecrest Business Park Among Projects To Benefit From $9.65M In State Grant Funding

Stonecrest Business Park, L.P. is among eleven projects Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties that will benefit from over $9 Million in state grants. $500,000 will go toward the construction of a new industrial building at Stonecrest Business Park, aimed at attracting industrial investment and fostering job creation in the region. Its funding is provided through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), which aims to bolster economic growth and enhance community resources.  RACP is a Commonwealth grant initiative overseen by the Office of the Budget, designed to support projects that contribute to regional economic, cultural, civic and recreational development. “I am…